B2 Expression Neutral 2 min read

عندي معرض للفن

'indi ma'rad lil-fann

I have an art exhibition

Literally: At me (I have) / exhibition / for the art

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to announce you are hosting or starring in an art show.
  • Combines 'I have' with the specific word for exhibition.
  • Perfect for social announcements, invitations, or professional networking.

Meaning

This phrase is used to announce that you are hosting or participating in an art exhibition. It is a proud statement of creative accomplishment used by artists and curators.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Texting a close friend

يا صديقي، عندي معرض للفن يوم السبت، لازم تيجي!

My friend, I have an art exhibition on Saturday, you must come!

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2

Professional networking

أنا فنانة تشكيلية وعندي معرض للفن في وسط المدينة.

I am a visual artist and I have an art exhibition downtown.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
3

A humorous moment with a messy room

غرفتي فوضى، كأني عندي معرض للفن الحديث!

My room is a mess, it's like I have a modern art exhibition!

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🌍

Cultural Background

The Arab art world has seen a massive renaissance in cities like Doha and Riyadh. An exhibition is often a major social event involving family and the local community. It represents a bridge between traditional heritage and modern creative expression.

💡

Add the Location

Always follow up with 'fi' (in) and the location to sound more natural, like `عندي معرض للفن في دبي`.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'Visiting'

If you say `Indi ma'rad` people will expect to see YOUR work. If you are just going to see art, say `Rayih ma'rad` (I'm going to an exhibition).

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to announce you are hosting or starring in an art show.
  • Combines 'I have' with the specific word for exhibition.
  • Perfect for social announcements, invitations, or professional networking.

What It Means

This phrase is your moment to shine. It literally means I have an art exhibition. In Arabic, the word ma'rad (exhibition) comes from the root arada, which means 'to show' or 'to present'. When you say this, you are telling the world you have something beautiful to display. It is not just about the paintings. It is about the hard work behind the scenes.

How To Use It

You use this as a direct statement. It is very versatile. You can say it to a friend over coffee. You can put it in a formal invitation. If someone asks what you are doing this weekend, this is your 'mic drop' answer. Just remember to sound humble but excited.

When To Use It

Use it when you are the artist. Use it if you are the gallery owner. It works perfectly when networking at a social event. If you are texting a group chat to invite friends, this is the lead sentence. It is a great way to start a conversation about your passions.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this if you are just visiting a gallery. That would be ana fi ma'rad (I am at an exhibition). Using indi (I have) implies ownership or a lead role. Also, do not use it for a small private showing at home. That might feel a bit too formal or grand.

Cultural Background

Art is a massive part of modern Arab culture. From Dubai to Beirut, the art scene is booming. Having an exhibition is a sign of high social and intellectual standing. It is a moment for community gathering. People do not just look at art; they socialize and drink plenty of coffee.

Common Variations

You might hear indi ma'rad suwar for a photography show. Or indi ma'rad khass for a solo exhibition. If you are nervous, you might say ma'radi al-awwal (my first exhibition). This adds a touch of vulnerability that people find very charming.

Usage Notes

The phrase is neutral and safe for all audiences. The main 'gotcha' is ensuring you actually have a role in the exhibition, otherwise, you're just a visitor!

💡

Add the Location

Always follow up with 'fi' (in) and the location to sound more natural, like `عندي معرض للفن في دبي`.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'Visiting'

If you say `Indi ma'rad` people will expect to see YOUR work. If you are just going to see art, say `Rayih ma'rad` (I'm going to an exhibition).

💬

The 'Insha'Allah' Factor

When announcing your exhibition, friends will often say `Mabrouk!` (Congratulations) and you should reply with `Insha'Allah` if the date is in the future.

Examples

6
#1 Texting a close friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

يا صديقي، عندي معرض للفن يوم السبت، لازم تيجي!

My friend, I have an art exhibition on Saturday, you must come!

The tone is excited and personal, using 'must' as a friendly invitation.

#2 Professional networking
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

أنا فنانة تشكيلية وعندي معرض للفن في وسط المدينة.

I am a visual artist and I have an art exhibition downtown.

Establishes professional identity before stating the event.

#3 A humorous moment with a messy room
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

غرفتي فوضى، كأني عندي معرض للفن الحديث!

My room is a mess, it's like I have a modern art exhibition!

A playful way to use the phrase to describe chaos.

#4 Formal invitation
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

يتشرف الفنان بدعوتكم، حيث عندي معرض للفن المعاصر.

The artist is honored to invite you, as I have a contemporary art exhibition.

Uses formal 'honored to invite' phrasing.

#5 Emotional milestone
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أخيراً، بعد سنوات من التعب، عندي معرض للفن.

Finally, after years of fatigue, I have an art exhibition.

Expresses relief and pride in a long-term goal.

#6 Answering a 'what's new' question
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

كل شيء بخير، عندي معرض للفن الشهر القادم.

Everything is good, I have an art exhibition next month.

A casual update on life events.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence to tell someone you have an exhibition tomorrow.

غداً، ___ معرض للفن في الغاليري.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عندي

The word `indi` (I have) is the correct way to indicate you are hosting the event.

Choose the correct word for 'Art'.

عندي معرض لـ ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: الفن

`Al-fann` is the Arabic word for art.

🎉 Score: /2

Visual Learning Aids

Formality of 'Indi Ma'rad lil-Fann'

Informal

Telling a sibling about your project.

Hey, I have a show!

Neutral

Standard way to announce to friends.

I have an art exhibition.

Formal

Official press release or invitation.

The artist announces an exhibition.

When to say 'I have an art exhibition'

عندي معرض للفن

At a Cafe

Updating friends on your hobby.

💼

On LinkedIn

Professional career update.

🏠

Family Dinner

Sharing big news with parents.

🖼️

Art Gallery

Introducing yourself to a curator.

Practice Bank

2 exercises
Complete the sentence to tell someone you have an exhibition tomorrow. Fill Blank

غداً، ___ معرض للفن في الغاليري.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: عندي

The word `indi` (I have) is the correct way to indicate you are hosting the event.

Choose the correct word for 'Art'. Fill Blank

عندي معرض لـ ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: الفن

`Al-fann` is the Arabic word for art.

🎉 Score: /2

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, al-fann is broad. It can cover sculpture, digital art, or even installations.

Yes, though some prefer ma'rad suwar (photo exhibition), ma'rad lil-fann is perfectly acceptable.

In this context, yes. You could say ladayya, but that sounds like a Shakespearean play—very formal!

Add atfaddal (please come) at the end. For example: عندي معرض للفن، تفضل!

You can say ana musharik fi ma'rad (I am a participant in an exhibition).

Yes! ma'rad al-kitab is a book fair, and ma'rad al-sayyarat is a car show.

The plural is ma'arid. So indi ma'arid would mean you have multiple exhibitions.

Yes, it is very standard (MSA) but used and understood in Egyptian, Levantine, and Gulf dialects.

You can say ma'radi (my exhibition). عندي معرضي الأول (I have my first exhibition).

It might sound a bit grand for a school project; mashru' fanni (art project) might be better.

Related Phrases

🔗

لوحة فنية

An artistic painting

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افتتاح المعرض

The exhibition opening

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فنان تشكيلي

Visual artist

🔗

دار عرض

Art gallery (house of display)

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